NHL Thursday: Penguins raise Stanley Cup banner against rival Capitals

Thursday night’s season opener against the New Jersey Devils is a big moment for the franchise, as the Panthers will debut a brand new logo and new uniforms for the first time in franchise history. The high-profile nature of the occasion makes it all the more classy that they’re using the opportunity to make a touching tribute.

Every Panthers player wore No. 16 and the name “Fernandez” on their nameplate in honor of late Miami Marlins ace pitcher Jose Fernandez during warmups.

The Sabres are already without Jack Eichel to begin their 2016-17 season and might be down another player after their opening night. Evander Kane left the Sabres game at the end of the second period after falling hard into the boards on his shoulder.

There is a bit of contact with Alexei Emelin of the Canadiens before the fall, but Kane looks to just lose his balance while trying to get leverage. The Sabres forward slid from the bottom of the face-off circle right into the boards without anything to break his fall, hitting what looks to be his shoulder on impact.